Aruba to Miami

As a frequent visitor to Aruba, I fly a regular route between Miami and my favorite island. I made this video of the return trip, showing the takeoff, a view of Aruba from above, and then the landing in Miami. Take a look, and don’t forget, it’s in full 1080 HD for you full screen junkies.

It was a great flight, especially the first few minutes, looking down at the island, seeing all the sights from on high. Those puffy clouds didn’t really get in the way. Once again, I’d like to thank American Airlines for carrying my safely along this route. We’ve been traveling together for more than 17 years.

Published in: on September 20, 2011 at 1:38 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Threshold at 11, Aruba

When landing at Aruba, most flights use Runway 11 due to the prevailing winds from the east, south east. Lately the wind has been variable with some planes landing from the other direction. Either way, Queen Beatrix Airport has plenty of room to accommodate the largest aircraft, including the Boeing 747 which arrives from Amsterdam a couple of times a week. Here’s a look at the threshold of Runway 11 for my flying pals who can never get enough of this kind of thing.

It has to be a beautiful sight from the left seat of jetliner, coming in over the scattered reefs and shoals dotting the blue Caribbean. I’ve heard stories from the old days of my pals riding the jump seat. That was back when things like that were permitted. These days, we’re stuck in the back, catching a glimpse here and there. Unless… well… unless the flying club gets their Cessna going again. Then I’d be quite happy to take a trip around the pattern and see it first hand.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 26, 2011 at 12:31 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Steady now…

This blog carries some of my flying adventures. Regular readers will remember my recent adoption of the Cirrus S20 as the cross-country flying machine of choice. It’s a steady ship, capable of 135 knots cruising. The control yoke is mounted to the side, which actually works very nicely as the pilot can rest an arm on the molded door panel and be quite comfortable. Here’s a shot of me at the helm.

The Garmin G1000 avionics suite is impressive, too. Plenty of situational awareness, an excellent autopilot, and clear graphical representations of what’s going on with the airplane. Of course, take note to the old magnetic compass in the upper part of the photo. You have to have one of those to go flying. Even your commercial airliners have them. If all else fails, pick a heading and go for it.

Published in: on August 10, 2011 at 5:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Paragliding (video)

Paragliding is one of the most basic forms of human flight. There is no engine, no rigid frame, nothing but a fabric wing. The wing is much like a parachute except that it allows the pilot much more control. Once “inflated” by air entering from forward motion, the wing takes shape and provides a decent glide ratio. By using thermals and other currents, the pilot is able to inscrease his altitude in the same manner as soaring birds. Take a look at the video.

That’s some impressive flying from various spots around the world. There was a time when I wanted to try this sport. However, cross-country flying is more my style as regular readers of this blog have seen. Still, I have tremendous respect from people who are able to excell as this sport. You have to channel your inner eagle to ride those currents.

Published in: on July 13, 2011 at 1:26 pm  Leave a Comment  
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